Cheap Vauxhall Cavalier Rear Tailgate

The Cavalier ran across two main UK generations: the Mk2 (1981–1988) and the Mk3 (1988–1995), and tailgates are not interchangeable between these generations as the bodies are completely different platforms. Within each generation there were facelift updates, and whether pressing changes affect panel swap across a facelift boundary is something you should confirm with the breaker against your exact registration. Always give the breaker your reg so they can pull the correct car.

Both years fall within the Mk3 generation (1988–1995), so you are on the right platform, which is the first hurdle. However, there were mid-generation pressing changes within the Mk3 run, and whether a very early Mk3 panel swaps cleanly onto a later Mk3 is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration rather than assume. Body style must also match — the hatchback tailgate is a completely different pressing to anything on the saloon or estate.

Trim level — whether it is a base L, GL, GLS, CDi, or SRi — does not affect tailgate fitment on the Cavalier; the shell pressing is the same across trims within the same body style and generation. What can differ is badging, spoilers, rear wash-wipe equipment, or heated-rear-window wiring, so a panel from a higher trim may arrive with extras you did not have or holes you need to fill. The breaker can still supply it and it will fit, but factor in any cosmetic or minor finishing differences.

No — the hatchback tailgate is a large full-opening rear glass-and-body panel, while the saloon has a conventional boot lid and a fixed rear screen, making them completely different pressings with no interchangeability. You must confirm your body style with the breaker at the point of enquiry so they pull the correct part. The estate rear door is different again, so be precise about what body style you have.

No — the Mk2 (1981–1988) and Mk3 (1988–1995) are entirely different platforms with different bodyshells, so the tailgate aperture, mounting points, and dimensions will not match. You need to source a tailgate from the correct generation for your car. Give your breaker your registration to make sure they are pulling from the right year range.

On the Cavalier hatchback the tailgate itself spans the full rear aperture on both three-door and five-door variants, but the surrounding bodywork and aperture dimensions can differ between the two, so you should confirm the door count with the breaker when ordering. Do not assume a tailgate from a three-door will drop straight onto a five-door car without checking. Always quote your registration to the breaker so they can match the correct variant.